Animal Crossing: New Horizons has helped make the franchise one of Nintendo's most popular IPs, and all eyes are on what the series will do next. While nothing has been announced yet, another Animal Crossing game is likely in development. The studio built a very strong foundation with New Horizons, and the next chapter could take it to a whole new level. There are dozens of exciting mechanics Nintendo could add to the mix, but one unique Grand Theft Auto 5 mechanic seems like a must.
The Grand Theft Auto and Animal Crossing series are nothing alike, but that does not mean one cannot inspire the other. While there is no reason for Nintendo to adopt the more violent parts of Rockstar's open-world GTA games, it could take some inspiration from its in-game TV and Radio. Both mechanics help add to the world immensely and would likely fit perfectly in the world of Animal Crossing.
GTA 5 Has Something to Offer Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is all about building the perfect house in an adorable little village. To build the perfect house, players must purchase an assortment of objects to furnish it with. One such object is the TV, which serves as nothing more than a simple set dressing. They can set various TVs down in their house, switch on the screen, and see a blurry image appear on it. There may be some faint chatter coming from the object, but there is nothing else to interact with.
Grand Theft Auto 5 and GTA Online also feature televisions, but they are far more advanced. Players can switch on the tv, sit on the couch, and then actually watch a show. They can switch between channels, turn up or down the volume, and enjoy one of the many parody shows Rockstar created. They can also get up off the couch and leave the TV running in the background. The show will go on, and players can do whatever they want while it plays.
The next Animal Crossing should adopt a similar mechanic for its TVs. Players should be able to actually sit and watch a show inside the Animal Crossing world. These could be simple ads for Animal Crossing's Able Sisters, a Succession-like show starring Tom Nook, a historical documentary narrated by Blathers, a series of music videos from K.K. Slider, and even a how-to video series with Isabelle. These could all be funny cute little videos that would help give the Animal Crossing world more life and serve as a fun time killer while players wait for shops to open or plants to grow.
Grand Theft Auto could further inspire Animal Crossing with its many radio stations. Players can switch on the radio in every GTA and listen to all sorts of radio shows and music while they cruise down the street. Animal Crossing players can also buy radios, but they do not really do much. Players should be able to listen to a radio station led by Resetti as they work around the house. This would help give these items a far greater purpose and would just be a ton of fun to hear.
Adding TV channels and radio stations to Animal Crossing seems like a recipe for success. There is a ton of potential for some hilarious moments, and fans would love to be able to see more from these iconic characters. While Nintendo should focus on making the next Animal Crossing as enjoyable as New Horizons, it should also consider dedicating some resources to this funny little side project. Even if it comes in the form of a DLC pack or seasonal update, it would be a fantastic treat for fans of the franchise.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now on Switch.
